Kai'ckul

Age of Wardens

Baranel Ironpath fell from the prow of the ship as it lurched from a wave. The party despaired as it seemed they had lost one just as two hulking brutes wielding great axes and their scimitar friends hopped aboard.

The fight was hard fought, even the invisible Nilbud Underfoot nearly met with her ancestor. Yet, barely, the adventurers dispatched this second wave of boarders amid magic bolts of force, thrown daggers and burning holy war hammers.

With only a moment to spare, they utilized the potions they had found in Walter’s wake and readied themselves as the final wave and the captain himself swung over onto their ship.

Eldorin Gwaehiriel dropped a Web and contained the captain while the form of a bear came clawing its way up the bow of the ship, gnawing on the arm of an unfortunate pirate who had fallen overboard.

Razhad, using his nimble expertise, began climbing along the outside of the ship and tossing daggers at these new foes who were descending upon Eldorin and defeating his final magical defenses. Bear-anel found her cavalry-like return short-lived as these bandits of the sea descended upon her and quickly returned her to her Elven form, and Khalo Balenpyre, attempting to valiantly save his magic-wielding friend leapt from a barrel only to fall face first on the bloody and gore-stained deck of the ship.

Things looked bad for the adventurers until Razhad was finally able to make his way behind the captain and dispatch him while yelling out, “HEY!” and cowing the remaining pirates.

While Razhad and Nilbud were scrounging the burning ship for loot, Eldorin sought out the Gnomes who had gone below deck. Unfortunately, he did not notice the trap which they had installed on their “Eaves Dropper,” and was struck by a swinging machete blade and nearly killed.

With quick reflexes, the party stablilized him and disabled the trap while informing the Gnomes that they danger had passed. They took the night to recover and rest, bruised and nearly broken by the pirates.

The next day, The Skarl approached and the Gnomes began to bring supplies to the way station island with the eponymous leader and the party went down to meet him. A descendent of Kerr Astley, he insisted, a half-Gnome and watcher for the Pebbles. It wasn’t until Eldorin gave him a Suggestion and offered to teach the Gnomes aboard the “Eaves Dropper” Druidcraft that the group was allowed to be dropped off on Wyrmille before the Wyrmspire.

The Gnomes must have thought it was a great gag, as they watched from aboard and expected the party to be stranded on the bare, flat sand with no way to enter the massive rose-Quartz tower. Yet, as the adventurers approached, Nilbud’s coin began to vibrate and the colors vibrantly shimmered. An entrance seemed to appear before them, and they pressed inward.

As soon as they entered the empty, cavernous ground floor, Nilbud called out “HELLO!” Only to reward the group with pained eardrums as devices increased the noise over and over to dangerous levels. Khalo’s chain clinked as he moved, presenting the group with another painful proposition, but with some quick thinking from Baranel, the silenced group made their way through the room obeying the Tenet I: Respect.

The next floor offered clutter and ten Gnomes working furiously on deciphering and recording. Not disturbing the creatures, the group moved through after a quick inspection of literature and finding nothing more than the mundane. The next door was metallic and with four cycling colored holes, which set each time the door was opened. Nilbud noted the arrangement and the group passed on, after Razhad jammed a key from the Nick’s Hideout in Worthen to prevent the door from closing.

On the floor of the next room, Tenet II: Record, was etched in the stone and five objects laid out before the party and what seemed to be a mirror wall. After debates, Razhad noticed these objects in different locations in the ‘mirror’ than where they were in their portion of the room. Mirroring the image, the wall partitioned and they passed onward to a small dais where a book lay open. They took turns inscribing tales of their past and experiences and were transported up to the next room: Tenet III: Recall.

Individually — after an electric shock had taught them otherwise — they were confronted with a metallic door needing the combination from earlier, which they passed down person to person as they came up from the dais.

The next room was a large library with machinated constructs standing still around the room. At the far side was a door with a button and concentric rings and above, Tenet IV: Research. The party began to work through the books, their own knowledge and how it paired with Xendix, Phondiel, Celadon, Ossa, and Brondurim; the colors Green, White, Black, Bronze, and Red; their birth order; and their fraternal twins, the sisters Keres, Wala, Mediena, Namaka, and Nott. Yet, as they began to figure out the solution, the constructs began to move…

He Sets Off Alone

A light rain began to fall, catching in his beard and ears as it exploded off of his armored shoulders. He gazed down at his trusty axe, which crackled with excitement, much like Brondurim’s bolts that connected the purple clouds overhead. Twisting the worn and familiar handle over in his calloused hand, he grunted and looked back over his brethren for the past month. They had been true, but his God and yen drew him east, not west where they were headed.

Unexpectedly, pain bit into his chest. Friends. The word came unbidden to his mind, but the truth of it caused the pain in his chest to explode along his ribcage and he barely managed to contain the accompanying sound with a cough and a quick nod as he turned away from them and the darkness of Arcaibh, slung his pack firmly over his shoulder and hefted himself eastward as the Elf meditated and the others dozed.

He had taken the first watch, and he didn’t know whether or not Eldorin Gwaehiriel had perceived his true intentions, but if he did, he spoke no words. The haughty Elf who had somehow warmed to the Dwarf would soon ‘awaken’ and he needed to be off. His watch was nearly at an end, his duty to the ragtag band complete.

The hills looked endless, and he certainly would see some of his brethren — long-descended cousins of sorts — as he returned to the Indahar Mountain Range. He would deal with the Wardens who expected him there soon enough, somehow. Truly, he needed to find closure to the mystery which had plagued him for too many years now. And he needed distance.

His legs churned, pounding the earth beneath him as he climbed one hill and eased down the far side. His muscles bunched and taut as he pressed himself as hard as he could — it felt as though he were disturbing Kai’ckul herself as it seemed tremors resounded as he thundered his way through the Nathrach.

His breath was labored, but he grunted out, “Good luck. Good bye.” with explosive exhales. Raindrops coursed down his cheeks, and with his mouth open and huffing, all he could taste was salt.

Entry 12

29th day of the Wyvern, Year of the Crown

I suppose I had grown used to them over the years. They were a constant fixture in the leafy halls of Oakenfell, and I had known nothing else. Now that I have been away for some time, they wear on me something troublesome, and I feel a sharpness in my answers to others that I have not known at perhaps any time.

A strange people they are, to be sure. How can they seek knowledge so unerringly with nary a thought to putting it to use to better the world? If they sought only to learn for self-betterment I might be more inclined to helping them. If they sought it to heal, to aid, to build — better yet. But something in the way they scramble for power with blind, single-minded, self-serving glee simply gnaws at the fiber of my being. As the sheep senses the wolf, so do I sense the gnome.

At any rate, this is all beside the point. Here we are on this ship with them for some days yet, for better or for worse. I occupy my time in reading and rereading the notes of Maegwir. In most ways they confound me yet, but there is one hint of great import for us: members of his unholy alliance.

He speaks of his “only chance” to steal the Flame from its rightful place, when Finrodel was away. This proves Finrodel’s innocence — which was, of course, never in question.

Even more useful: he calls out Galgaroth and “deceitful Zandazar” as being too focused on the device of Therilor, but says he has found two allies. Thus Galgaroth and Zandazar must both be rightful adherents to the code of the Circle.

He also gave one clue about his conspirators: they granted that he should be the one to take it due to his “seniority”. Thus the others must be thought to be lower in seniority.

Meanwhile, I have no choice but to suspect Eraneth of being one of the two conspirators, due to her apparent role in recruiting armies for “Walter”. Obviously, I cannot rule out the possibility that this was in fact Maegwir himself in disguise, casting suspicion on the rest of us. However, if I know Maegwir (and I have for some centuries), I do not so value his skill in performance as to credit him with this trick. In my mind, it was Eraneth.

Or the Mysteriarch. Blessed Kai’ckul. Best not to entertain that thought. Seniority! They must be lower in seniority. Unless the conspirator was disguised as someone lower in seniority… Enough! I think in circles. It is these damn gnomes. The sooner I am rid of them the better.

I feel cranky today. Maybe it is the undulating waves of the sea. So much up and down, but nowhere to go. I’m getting restless.

Gnomes are weird. They don’t like to do anything interesting and for all of their desire for knowledge they don’t seem to have much to back it up. They quickly shift topics of conversation, sometimes nonsensically, can’t see past direct meaning and fact to find the greater meaning that lies beneath. What kind if world would this be if we all parsed each word for exact meaning or broke down every plant and animal and sunset into factoids to be consumed and hoarded. I would rather sit on a beach back home (I think of the Greenbirth as my home now) and enjoy a sunset in peace than know what the sun is or where it goes at night. It is funny how visiting a place for a day or two can already feel so much more comfortable than the place that I spent most of my young life.

Or maybe it’s the visions….. I didn’t understand the enormity of Merla’s accomplishments until I saw for myself. She was a paragon of battle. How she lived through the war and all the violence it must have taken such a toll on her. Even the small glimpses I have seen/experienced have caused me to lose sleep. I could never hope to have the strength she had. Fighting is fun for me. But that…..what she did……definitely not for funsies.

A Tale of Gnomes and Pirates

As our intrepid adventurers enter he great dwarven city of An Dun they take some time to take advantage of being in one of Kai’kuls great trading outposts to spend some of their hard earned gold and resupply.

While haggling and chatting the group hears more rumors of the earthquake to the East. Kahlo finds that his town was one of those affected and runs off into the city seeking solace in a temple to kai’kul. He randomly takes the 9th path down into the city and ends up on a balcony overlooking the dock region with an intricate clock set into the roof allowing light to travel through different gems at different times of day. Nearby he finds the shrine he seeks. Within he has a vision of Kai’kul herself who confirms the story and sets his soul into searching his reasons for traveling away from his home.

As the group enters the city Eldorin and Nilbud notice a Dwarvish looking human nearby trying to subtly get their attention. This name claims that he is a merchant being unfairly left out by the people of An Dun over a trade conflict with Senia. The group “promisies to tlk to someone” and leaves Eltan Firthgar to his own devices (but not until after Razhad slight of foot’s a ring into his own possession). The group enters the city and takes the 6th path which leads to the docks themselves.

A group of Gnomes appear to be busy with some sort of ship at the end of the docks and the group came up with a cover story to try to gain passage on the ship. After lots of discussion about dropping names or not approached the Gnomes

Eldorin struggles to convince them to take us to Wyrmspyre but eventually we discover the way to deal with these people is to promise them knowledge. Each member entices them with various mundane knowledge which seems to be enough to ensure passage across the Fathers Footprint.

The group deposits a large amount of gold in the bank of Oezter after having a debate about digging a hole vs. more civilized methods of safeguarding gold. Baranel familiarizes herself with the proof of deposit stone so that she can find it with locate object at a later date if necessary.

Nilbud finds a stable to take care of Ester while she is away at sea.

The party whiles away the long hours at sea in the following ways.

Eldorin- Keeps an eye on his spellbook, goes over Walters notes and practices the flute.
Baranel- teaches the Gnomes about druids and shows off her powers while fishing in bear form.
Kahlo- practices his pan flute and composes hymns to kai’kul
Razhad- Climbs the ropes of the rigging, fishes some and takes some time to learn about the Gnomes (picks up a few words of Gnomish)
Nilbud- Practices card tricks and despite multiple attempts to engage the Gnomes finds that she has nothing in common with them and spends a lot of time feeling bad about herself.

Kahlo wanders to the bow of the ship to ask Kai’kul for guidance and once he decides to to kill us all he notices a ship in the distance. The group is soon beset by pirates (the ones that sailed away from the Greenbirth)

Razhad takes aim and the pirates and gets warned to “Stand Down”. Eldorin makes preparations for the attack and once the pirate ship is in range he sets all their sails on fire with one firebolt. Nilbud lifts the hood of her cloak. Berenal charms a group of seagulls to wreak havoc on their ship just before the attack.

With much preparation on our behalf the pirates arrive. Wave after wave of thugs board the ship. Many are pushed off by Nilbud’s fists and Baranel’s waves of thunder. While Eldorin and Razhad reigned down mundane and magical missiles.

A few pirates connect with Nilbud despite her invisibility and pierce Razhad with arrows despite his perch in the rigging.

While all of the first wave of pirates was dispatched our heroes thought they would have a respite. But the Pirates weren’t done yet. Two huge men board the gnomish vessel…..TBC

Entry 11

26th Day of the Wyvern, Year of the Crown

Among the Senians, I am given to understand, there is a tale told to children about a nameless shepherd boy keeping watch over his flocks. Several times, the overzealous boy seems to see a wolf stealing into the valley and cries out for help so that the watchmen come bearing spears, but each time they find no wolf. Eventually, a wolf does come, but the watchmen have written off the poor boy as a fanciful worrier. They do not heed his calls, and somehow it is the boy who is gobbled up instead of a lamb.

It is a strange story, with some questionable elements, and small wonder given that it is borrowed without context from the ancient Lay of Lethion. In Lethion’s tale, of course, the young Elf Palinor keeps watch against their enemies the White Wolves of the Night Serpent. Palinor is nervous but attentive; in every movement of the night he seems to see the vanguard of the White Wolf army. The other guards, eager to dice the night away, lose interest in his warnings and when a scout for the White Wolves comes prowling indeed, they ignore his calls. It tears out their throats, making way for the vanguard, who sweep through the outpost, slaughter the warriors within, and steal the Light of Nargoth: a tragedy as unspeakable in the tongues of today as it was in the Elven tongue of old.

The Senian version is clearly a tale told by weary mothers who do not wish to be troubled by overactive children. It relies, as do so many tales of Men, on self-interest and fear of death, as if to say: “Bother me too often and a wolf will eat you.” In my travels, I begin to wonder if the races of Men feel shame at having believed a thing once it is disproved. What a thing to fear!

It may be that young master Balenpyre is wrong about Kai’ckul. It may be that he is crazy. On the other hand, it may be that he is right — that Kai’ckul herself attends our journey, watching, guiding. Khalo is young and doubtless naive, but this also means unsullied, and I judge his heart to be pure. What better mouthpiece could Kai’ckul have found? True, the messages may be garbled and difficult to understand, but in time perhaps that will change.

Palinor’s tale cautions us to believe when believing serves us, even if belief may have ill served before. Even should I find evidence that Kai’ckul was not guiding Baranel‘s hand, and that Kai’ckul has no hand in my own serendipitous travels, even then should I choose to believe!

The night drew on and a pounding rain began, ending much of the comfort of the night as the party collected before the visage of Arcaibh. Suddenly, a form in full armor running pel-mell towards them leaps into their midst over Esther’s cart and announces he is there to save them all. Almost at that moment, Nilbud notices that the remains of the giant sheep and their former shepards have begun to rise once more, beads of precipitation rolling down their once resting bodies.

With the aid of Khalo, the party is able to dispatch the beings from beyond and decides to move on through the inclement weather.

North they press, learning of the newcomer and his origin from Cennetig and they repay him with the oddities of their own quest and welcome him and his reflective and inward ‘dialog’ to the group.

After a couple days, they reach the Black River at the border of Sussenia and see a massive construction underway: pulleys, ropes, framework of lumber and hundreds of laborer a passing into the Grey Delta. They are stopped at a bridge by a pair of guards who demand payment, and Eldorin and Nilbud recognize the distinctive scarring on one’s ear as declaring him a member of the Nicks. Paying the exorbitant toll they continue onward, but Nilbud steals back under the protective invisibility of his newfound Undercloak to retrieve the extortion as well as the other money the man had on him.

Many people pass north and south along relatively new pathways which bring material and personnel for this large scale project in the delta. As night approaches, the group decides to press onward to reach the border as soon as possible and are beset by bandits, led by the guard from the bridge earlier. Tying up half of the band in a Web, Eldorin’s staff blasts a wide and sustaining light, turning night to day as they make the ambushers regret their decision.

Out of Senian lands and across the White River, they make camp without event. The next day brings them to the base of Sirius’ Stalagmite — a masterfully crafted spire of igneous rock of myriad colors and interlocking in perfection without any stonework — where they pay one last toll to the Dwarves of the commanding tower and then head along the Mellinius Road towards An Dun.

As we left the group, they looked down into the massive opening where traders and merchants had set up their wares to those passing in and out of the trading Capitol which is An Dun.

Sorry for the delay

The Dead Rise

As the newly discovered Maegwir disappeared into the aether, a new threat arose from the very earth. Our heroes are beset by two hulking flesh beasts, their smaller brethren form a pair of armed skeletons, a hoofed centaurian skeleton, and their commander on horseback composed of a bone structure completely alien to this world. Fyrsson charges into the fray mightily scratching the flesh beast as Baranel the Bear charges with him and properly mauls the hulking brute, though still it stands. Razhad’s loosed shaft pierces it deeply evoking a raging blow from the brute sends Fyrsson’s head snapping back as the commander gallops to engage Nilbud. One of the skeletal footmen looses an arrow striking Razhad as Nilbud’s furious assault on the skeletal horse ultimately produces much wind but little damage until she focuses herself and smashes the horse directly in the teeth, knocking it to the ground. The second hulking monstrosity joins the fray against Baranel, giving the ursa a taste of her own medicine. Fyrsson, for the first time, invokes the name of Brondurim and drops a mighty fear bomb on the undead mob causing the commander and half horse to flee. He then casually heals Baranel who sinks her teeth and claws into the already wounded flesh beast as Jethrael’s arrow pierces its skull. The party all suck wind as the beast still stands. Another arrow from the skeletal archer strikes Razhad who now looks a little woozy. The skeleton’s spear toting compatriot stabs Baranel in her flank. Overcoming his temporary dizzy spell Razhad’s eagle eye does him much credit as his arrow splits Jethrael’s shaft in twain sending the first of the hulks back to the grave…again. Nilbud seizes on the shift of fortunes and charges the second hulk. Her driving blows and a wicked stomp to a knee send the hulk to the ground. Fyrsson takes the opportunity to completely miss the skeletal archer he has charged, but distracts it from its continued long range attacks against Razhad and heals him for good measure. Another good mauling by Baranel followed by a spectacularly well aimed shots by Jethreal and a killing blow from Razhad sends the second hulk back to the grave but a savage spear thrust from the skeleton footman breaks Baranel’s concentration and with a roar she reverts back to her slightly less stinky elf form. Fyrsson cleaves through the skeletal archer’s arm as an arrow from Razhad severs its neck sending its skull toppling to the ground. More heals are sprinkled through the ranks. Nilbud takes this opportunity to showcase some very fancy footwork, no doubt dazzling the remaining skeleton as Jethrael’s arrow sails overhead. An axe blow from Fyrsson staggers the skeletal spearman as an acid spray from Baranel bleaches his bones a lovely shade of pearl before Razhad has finally had enough and downs yet another baddie. There is light rejoicing as the party hauls their booty to the cart with Fyrsson tending to the party’s wounds and Baranel doing some checking for magic.

Magic Spreads

As the cart makes its way away from the blighted encampment Baranel discovers a number of newly enchanted pieces of gear amongst the party: Nilbud’s necklace lends her an ethereal haziness and there is definitely something to those ratbone bracers. Baranel’s own journal has a new tale to tell. Undiscovered items in both Jethrael and Fyrsson’s packs as well as fyrsson’s axe. And finally Eldorin’s staff and amulet. (he popped in for the quick scrying).
The party pulls into a field of purple pops and Nilbud lends her special brand of assistance to Baranel’s de-glyphing of the protected chest. Razhad then steps in, with Nilbud at his side, and deftly removes a poison needle trap and opens the chest. Inside are reams of paper, a journal, and one thousand ancient mint! Nilbud reminds the party of their debt to Venmar and the party makes their way back to the encampment. Razhad and Nilbud quickly dissolve into the susurrus with Nilbud quickly finding Venmar. The pair bond over their low self esteem as Venmar discloses that he plans to head back east although he is interested in the path the party will take. Nilbud then speaks with Seth who, tavern full of booty, plans to rebuild. He informs Nilbud that one of the braver commanders has taken one of the brigs and some men and sailed off. A sad conversation regarding cocks and crabs follows. Jethrael goes to search for spoils in tents to no avail as Razhad creeps about. Baranel searches for the druids, but alas they are gone. She leaves them a note and hopes for dry days ahead. Fyrsson sits alone and prays for guidance. The party then gathers at the cart. Jethrael wishes to pursue Maegwir but also the Great Axe of legend. Razhad is possessed with his search for magical items and Nilbud wishes to return to looking for uncle Moss although she blames herself for Maegwir’s escaping. Much discussion of plans ensues with Fyrsson admitting to the group he’ll be leaving but will stay to see the group north towards An Dun to secure passage to Wyrmspire. After some much needed joviality, the group parts ways with Venmar and heads north. It turns out Baranel can make magic berries. They are quite fulfilling and with the exception of Fyrsson everyone agrees they are quite pleasant. They travel a full day and at the edge of the Greenbirth they spy a flock of sheep. They take a few moments to greet the dwarven sheepherders, although these are hill dwarves mind you, not honest mountain stock, and put them upon a better path back east. They continue north and come across a dwarven, once again: hill, fishing village. They decide to make a brief pit stop in the hamlet of Trondarm. The people are simple fishermen who are happy to hear that the pirate raids will likely end for a time. Razhad buys some delicious smoked fish and the party continues onward.
As the party continues north the towering parapets of Arcaibh come into view. The party chooses to spend the night and rest before continuing on in the shadow of so reviled a place. On the next morning the party spies yet another flock of sheep. However, upon closer inspection, they find these are no ordinary sheep. They are ten massive cannibalistic dwarf munching sheep. The party, no doubt still suffering PTSD from their earlier bizarre animal encounters, decides they cannot abide these sheep to live. Razhad then Fyrsson and then Jethrael begin loosing shots into the flock. Many puns fly along with the arrows and bolts. Sheep begin to drop as the flock charges. Nilbud notices her bracers tightening as the flock nears. As the thinned herd nears Nilbud throws a very threatening dart as Fyrsson misses and drops his crossbow to pick up his axe. For the first time in many days Razhad fails to find a killing shot, but one by one the sheep fall. The group set to butchering the animals and Fyrsson, with Nilbud’s expect assistance, cooks up some fine mutton. The group, seemingly about to break apart, has some twilight conversation with Razhad divulging he has a large one pound red egg that has recently gotten warm to the touch and Nilbud, desperately looking for clues, shows a large coin with an ancient writing which no one is able to decipher. As the sun sets we are left with more questions than answers and the long shadow of Arcaibh’s walls stretches across the land.

It was difficult to watch Eldorin suffer as much as he has over the last few days, so much of this could have been avoided if he had just told us the truth. Now the bar and inn has burnt to the ground. It was a gift from Mediena that Seth told me about Merlas trunk when he did. It could have been lost forever! Now it is in my possession and I am honored beyond imagining that I can hold her clothes. If I’m ever rich, I’m going to have duplicates of these made. I may look out of fashion, but no one will care and I will feel unique and like I am doing honor to my ancestors . This cloak is something else entirely it is magic and I am uneasy about using what I don’t understand. It feels right though, the warmth and comfort of this cloak, and to become invisible? Many many nights in my youth I hoped and wished that I could disappear if only to move through our home. Without the constant sneers jokes and stares. Now I can do exactly that, I think. I don’t know what limits there are on the magic that fuels this power. But At least this cloak was Merla’s so I believe I can trust in its power. On the other hand the changes to my bracers is disconcerting. I felt a kinship with them because they represent difference I can make in people’s lives even in my small halfling way. That family is better off because I helped. But now they may be tainted with the magic of the flame thing or of Walter…….who knows what they do or where their power originates. I want to just take them off and not use them again until I know exactly what’s going on. The same goes for this necklace. I don’t want to wear it, but how will I ever find out what it does?

Like I said all this magic is too much for me to understand. In the meantime I’m keeping an eye out for Moss and Honey. I’m excited to go to the pebbles and meet the gnomes. I saw one once from a distance in Terminus, it was weird to see someone my size who was clearly not a halfling. Apart from that I’m glad the bar will be rebuilt, I will come back here someday. It is nice to know I already have a friend. Seth said I would be welcome back any time, but it’s the beaches that draw me. To know Merla might have touched the same bit of shoreline is thrilling. However, she only did that after achieving greatness. I could never hope to reach that bar, but once I’ve done some good, and earned this place I know it will be here waiting.

Huh?

Nilbud’s response-

How can I even begin to describe how utterly beyond me this all is. Crowns of elemental energy that were formed centuries ago! The betrayal of some unknown number for powerful individuals that can cause villages to burst into flames with the wave of their hand. The struggle against these forces is fierce and unfair, how could any one mortal win? I have had to come to terms over these last few weeks that magic does indeed exist and that when wielded thoughtfully can be used to help and defend the powerless, but when you become powerful how can anyone keep perspective with the common person. Magic should not be messed with especially for someone as mushy headed as I am, this decision cannot be made by me; my life is meant for simpler things. Like uncle Moss always said, Go new places, but use the roads you know.

Where are the heroes who are supposed to take care of these kinds of things? Is this lone elf all that stands in the way of the destruction of the world? Where are the leaders of this “circle” and why aren’t they flying in here on wings of magic and snatching up the bad wizards? I can punch out some big rats perhaps, but I am no match for magic.

I can’t do this, maybe I’ll just stay here. I’m not going to be any good to anyone I didn’t even have enough sense to run away when I had the most powerful object in the world in my hand. This could have all been over and its all my fault if anything bad happens because of this crown thing. You all should probably just go on without me. I’ll stay here and help rebuild the bar.